The first Sony console to embrace a high-definition presentation was the PlayStation 3, with its physical releases published on Blu-ray discs. Launched in 2006, the console primarily competed with the Xbox 360 and Wii until the debut of the PlayStation 4 in 2013. 20 years after the PS3’s launch, PlayStation has officially begun to end the PS3 era by closing the platform’s digital storefront and ceasing post-launch support. That means even if you have an operational PS3, you can’t purchase and download any more games digitally.
This makes the games that are exclusive to the PS3 era all the more valuable, with plenty of titles unavailable through the modern digital library available on PlayStation. We’re highlighting games that aren’t available to play digitally through PlayStation Plus or haven’t received modern remasters. That means the only way to legally play these titles is if you already have them downloaded to your PS3 or a functional console with the physical releases. These are five classic PS3 games that are unplayable today without owning actual PS3 hardware.
Resistance: Fall of Man
Insomniac Games/Sony Interactive Entertainment
In the face of Xbox’s “Halo” dominating the console-based first-person shooter space, Sony included an FPS of its own with the PlayStation 3 launch. Developed by Insomniac Games, “Resistance: Fall of Man” was among the debut wave of PS3 games in 2006. The game takes place in an alternate 1951 with much of the world besieged by a monstrous race of mutants known as the Chimera. The protagonist is an American soldier named Nathan Hale, who is infected by the Chimera but retains his free will even as his abilities are enhanced in the fight against them.
“Resistance: Fall of Man” spawned an entire trilogy of games on the PS3, along with spin-offs for PlayStation’s handheld consoles. The game stands as a visually impressive first-person shooter while also showcasing the console’s online multiplayer capabilities. Unfortunately, the “Resistance” series didn’t continue beyond the PS3 era and its games remain unavailable digitally through PlayStation Plus. One of the best PlayStation launch titles ever, “Resistance: Fall of Man” is an important part of the PS3’s history.
Killzone 2
Guerilla Games/Sony Interactive Entertainment
Another Sony first-person shooter series that has fallen by the wayside for over a decade is “Killzone.” Developed primarily by Guerrilla Games (who has since gone on to fresh success with “Horizon Zero Dawn”), the series started on the PlayStation 2 in 2004, with the game receiving a direct sequel for the PlayStation 3 in 2009. “Killzone 2” has protagonist Sev and his unit go on the offensive, taking part in a massive invasion of the opposing Helghast’s domain. The game also features an extensive online multiplayer component, featuring different modes and player classes to choose from.
“Killzone 2” marked a tremendous leap forward for the franchise and led to a direct sequel on the PS3 in 2011. However, none of the first three mainline “Killzone” games, including its two PS3 titles, are available digitally through PlayStation Plus. That leaves only the 2013 PlayStation 4 title “Killzone Shadow Fall” as the sole home console game in the series available on modern platforms. Another Sony series that deserves a modern revival, “Killzone” feels like a franchise forgotten by its publisher.
Gran Turismo 5
Polyphonic Digital/Sony Interactive Entertainment
The original “Gran Turismo” titles for the PlayStation are among the best retro racing games of all time and the series has largely maintained its distinguished quality moving forward. The PlayStation 3 received four “Gran Turismo” titles during its lifespan, including the 2006 free-to-play tech showcase “Gran Turismo HD Concept.” This includes two mainline installments for the console, starting with 2010’s “Gran Turismo 5,” taking full advantage of the PS3’s HD capabilities. The game features over 1,000 vehicles to choose from and is the first mainline title in the series to support online multiplayer.
Just like the older titles in the franchise, none of the four “Gran Turismo” games on the PlayStation 3 are available digitally through PlayStation Plus. Though the specific reason for this omission hasn’t been confirmed, it likely has to do with expired licensing surrounding the vehicles and music used for these games. That leaves an entire generation of “Gran Turismo” titles lost to time — unless you have the physical release or already have it downloaded to a PS3. One of the best racing games of its era, “Gran Turismo 5” and its unavailability leaves a wide gap in the genre’s history.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
NetherRealm Studios/Warner Bros. Games
Coming off a line of 3D fighting games of varying quality and the disappointing “Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe,” the iconic fighting game franchise was at a crossroads. 2011’s soft reboot, “Mortal Kombat,” brought the series back to its gory roots with its classic cast of characters. The game opens with Raiden sending a message back in time to himself to prevent a future where Shao Kahn reigns victorious. This leads to an altered retelling of the events of the first three games in the series as Raiden works to avoid this bleak reality from coming to pass.
Many of the gameplay mechanics and stylistic aesthetics in modern “Mortal Kombat” were formed by the 2011 game. This includes X-ray sequences showing the internal damage that fighters receive and a super meter to build up and fuel special attacks and techniques. Like many of the franchise’s PS2 and PS3 era titles, this particular game isn’t available on modern platforms. One of the best “Mortal Kombat” games ever made, the 2011 reboot informs the franchise’s current sensibilities — but today’s gamers can’t easily see the progress.
Street Fighter X Tekken
“Mortal Kombat” isn’t the only fighting game series with PS3 titles missing on modern platforms. Capcom’s big crossover with Bandai Namco Entertainment’s “Tekken” series, “Street Fighter X Tekken” was released in 2012. The game features an expansive roster from both universes colliding to recover a mysterious object discovered in Antarctica. The game also brings in guest fighters from other franchises, with the PlayStation 3 and Vita versions receiving an exclusive character in Cole McGrath from the “Infamous” series.
Unlike other “Street Fighter” and “Tekken” games, “Street Fighter X Tekken” is not available digitally on modern platforms. Though the crossover game still has a product page on Steam, the game has been unavailable to purchase for years over DRM issues with its PC version on Windows Live. That leaves this eagerly anticipated mash-up between the two long-running fighting game franchises available only to those fortunate enough to purchase it over a decade ago. In the meantime, “Tekken 7” is still available, with Akuma from “Street Fighter” as a guest fighter, making it the only crossover between the two on the market.
